Housecall: Menopause and weight gain

September 10, 2018

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIESMenopause weight gain: Stop the middle age spread
The hormonal changes of menopause might make you more likely to gain weight around your abdomen than around your hips and thighs. But, hormonal changes alone don't cause menopause weight gain. Instead, the weight gain usually is related to aging, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors. Here's what you need to know to stop the middle age spread.

Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you?
Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. Statins also may help your body reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in plaques on your artery walls, preventing further blockage in your blood vessels and heart attacks. Find out whether your risk factors for heart disease make you a good candidate for this drug therapy.

Can diet and exercise prevent Alzheimer's disease?
There are a number of articles that appear quite convincing that certain lifestyle behaviors prevent Alzheimer's disease. Yet, even with these mounting reports, the scientific evidence remains unclear. The most consistent data support cardiovascular exercise and a Mediterranean diet as two lifestyle behaviors that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Learn more from Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a Mayo Clinic neurologist.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK
Heat cramps from exercise?Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that typically occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. You're most likely to get heat cramps in the calf, arm, abdomen and back. Next time you experience heat cramps, here's what to do:

Rest briefly and cool down.

Drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink.

Gently stretch and massage the affected muscles.

Call your doctor if the cramps don't go away in an hour.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

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